Door lock having day-night visible keypad

ABSTRACT

A door lock apparatus including a door lock housing, a door lock, and a keypad operatively connected to the door lock housing and to the door lock. The keypad includes a protective layer, a decorative layer, and a light source, wherein the protective layer is disposed next to the decorative layer and the decorative layer is disposed between the protective layer and the light source. The decorative layer includes a first surface having a first material located thereon and a second surface having a second material located thereon, and wherein the first material and the second material are generally aligned to provide indicia having a three-dimensional appearance with the indicia being offset from a background plane.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/384,634 filed Dec. 20, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a door lock for securing a door, and more particularly to a door lock having a keypad.

BACKGROUND

Existing electronic door locks are used to provide access to a building or facility, or to different locations within a building or facility. Such door locks provide an entrance to a room in response to mechanical or electrical actuation of a bolt extending from a door which engages a receiving portion of a door frame. Electronic door locks can be isolated individual devices or can be found in an electronic lock system which provides electronic communication between the electronic lock and a control system.

Some electronic lock systems are hardwired to an interface device which monitors and controls a state of the electronic lock. Other electronic lock systems include wireless electronic locks that communicate with a wireless interface device, also known as a panel interface module, sufficiently proximate to the electronic locks to enable wireless communication. The interface device is configured to monitor and control the state of a predetermined number of electronic locks such that multiple interfaced devices can be included in a facility of a large size since one interface device can be insufficient to monitor and control all of the electronic locks in the facility. Consequently, a number of interface devices are hardwired to a central controller, sometimes known as an access control panel, and are connected to the computer system of the facility. In some facilities, more than one access control panel can be required. The computer system provides updates to the electronic locks through the communication network.

Unlike a mechanical lock which requires a key to lock and unlock a door, electronic door locks can include a keypad or a card reader to enable a user to lock and unlock a door. The keypad or card reader can be located with the door lock which is located at the door, or the keypad or reader can be separated a distance from the door lock, such as at the interface device which is placed at a location accessible to the user. Even when a door lock includes a card reader, the door lock often includes a keypad in case the card reader malfunctions or for manual programming inputs.

Keypads include a plurality of buttons located on a panel which include alphanumeric characters such as, for example, numbers, digits, alphabetical letters, and/or symbols. The buttons, in different embodiments, include physical mechanical buttons, touch sensitive buttons, and capacitive buttons. Such buttons can be embodied as hardware or as software generated buttons appearing on a screen.

Keypad buttons can often be accessed at any time of the day or night, and consequently sometimes need to be illuminated. In some embodiments, the buttons are illuminated by a source of light which illuminates an external surface of the buttons. In other embodiments, the buttons are illuminated from behind. The incorporation of electronic code entry with mechanically structured door locks has typically been limited to mimicking the appearance of a smart phone with a dark glass-like face having numbers that appear when code entry is required after being activated. Silicone rubber style keypads are also used for the other electronic keypad locks and can appear on lower priced electronic lock products. Other keypads for an access door lock include buttons that use a black field which is hidden until being pressed, at which time the graphics illustrating the alphanumeric characters are illuminated.

Since a wide variety of environmental conditions exists, it is important that the buttons are legible under all lighting situations. However, currently available keypads do not provide legible characters during all types of environmental conditions. What is needed, therefore, is an electronic door lock system having alphanumeric characters which are readily seen and discerned by a user during a wide range of lighting conditions.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, there is provided a system, components, devices, and methods for improving the keypad for a lock in an electronic lock or an electronic lock system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations that improve the accessibility and appearance of the alphanumeric characters used to operate a door lock.

In one embodiment, there is provided a lock apparatus including a lock housing and a keypad operatively connected to the lock housing. The keypad includes a decorative layer having a first surface with a first surface treatment and a second surface with a second surface treatment. One of the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment defines an alphanumeric character having a perimeter and the other of the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment defines a translucent layer.

In another embodiment, there is provided a lock apparatus including a lock housing and a keypad operatively connected to the lock housing. The keypad includes a protective layer, a first layer, a second layer, and a light source. The protective layer is disposed next to the first layer and the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the light source. The second layer includes a first surface having a first material located thereon and a second surface having a second material located thereon, wherein the first material and the second material are generally aligned to provide indicia having a three-dimensional appearance with the indicia being offset from a background plane.

In still another embodiment, there is provided a lock apparatus including a lock housing having a cover and a keypad operatively connected to the lock housing. The keypad includes a decorative layer with a first surface having a first surface treatment and a second surface having a second surface treatment. One of the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment defines a plurality of alphanumeric characters each having a perimeter and the other of the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment defines a translucent layer. A light source is disposed in the lock housing between the cover and the decorative layer, and wherein the light source is configured to provide an illumination of the keypad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a door lock device coupled to a door;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a keypad of the door lock of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a decorative layer, a light guide, and a light source.

FIG. 4 illustrates completed decorative layer of a keypad as seen by a user.

FIG. 5 illustrates a light path schematic for one embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a decorative layer.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a decorative layer.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a lock device 100 operatively coupled to a door 102. The lock device 100 supports a handle 104 which, when moved with respect to the door 102, operates a latch 106, the details of which are readily understood by those skilled in the art. The lock device 100 includes a housing 108 sized and configured to support a keypad 110. The keypad includes a plurality of alphanumeric characters or symbols 112 located within an aperture. The alphanumeric characters or symbols 112 may include numerals 116 and/or symbols 118. The keypad 110, in different embodiments, is used to lock and unlock the door lock, as well as to program and configure the operation of the lock device 100 such as, for example, by adding access codes, deleting access codes, enabling audible operation, and setting relocking time delays.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the keypad 110 including a plurality of individual components which, when assembled, defines the keypad 110. The keypad 110 is supported in the housing 108 which includes a back cover 120 configured to support the assembled keypad 110. The keypad 110 generally includes a protective layer 122 disposed adjacent to a first layer 124, also identified as a decorative layer, which is in turn disposed adjacent to a second layer 126, which is also identified as a light guide. The first layer 124 includes a first side 128 and an opposite second side 130. The first side 128 is a forward-facing side in that the first side faces toward a user of the keyboard 110. The second side 130 is a rearward-facing side facing away from the user and toward the back cover 120. In one embodiment, the first layer 124 is an extruded film formed of a clear, transparent, or translucent material. In other embodiments, the first layer 124 includes other materials such as, for example, glass or molded plastic. The material selected for the first layer 124 is configured to accept a surface treatment on each of the first side 128 and the second side 130. The light guide 126 is configured to disperse or scatter light received from a light source.

In one embodiment, a first surface treatment 132 includes a plurality of numerals 134 which are located on the first side 128 of the decorative layer 124. In other embodiments, the first surface treatment 132 includes an ink or a toner deposited on the first surface 128. A second surface treatment 136 includes a plurality of numerals 138 which, when placed on the second surface 130, are generally aligned with the plurality of numerals 134. The plurality of numerals 138 are formed by depositing the second surface treatment 136 over the complete second surface 130, except in the regions where the numerals are formed. The numerals 138 are therefore formed by the absence of the ink or toner such that the numerals 138 are “clear”. It should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to a keypad including numerals only, but may include any type of graphical representation including alphabetical characters, symbols, and/or images.

Other embodiments including other surface treatments for both the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment are also contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, laser etching of a surface is used to produce the graphics on one or both of the surfaces. A portion of or the entire surface of the material may be painted with a paint to provide a field, which is in turn laser etched to form the desired graphic. In other embodiments, the laser etching is used to define the graphic by either removing the paint outside a perimeter of a desired graphic, or by removing the paint from inside the desired graphic. Laser etching of the paint provides for low volume or quick-turn production, where the time and expense of changing screens for printing is not economically viable of justifiable. Laser etching can be especially worthwhile if a thicker decorative layer is used such as, for example, a molded plastic, where using paint instead of ink is used. In still another embodiment, a paint is applied via a stencil. Laser etching of other materials is also contemplated including, for example, laser etching of toner and ink.

In one embodiment, the decorative layer 124 is covered by the protective layer 122 to ensure that the graphics located on the first side 128 do not suffer from damage with exposure to the environment, the user, or other conditions. In other embodiments, the protective layer 122 is a layer of film or a simple coating applied over the graphical images applied to the first side 128 of the decorative layer 124. In still other embodiments, the first surface graphics are deposited with a sufficiently robust ink which can eliminate the need for a separate projective layer.

The decorative layer 124, including the first surface treatment 132 and the second surface treatment 136, provides an architectural look depicting or simulating a “floating number” that has the appearance of being spaced from or located above a full field back layer of the second surface treatment 136. In this and other embodiments described herein, a metallic looking ink may be used to define the numerals 134 as well as for the second surface treatment 136. In another embodiment, a reverse configuration may be formed in which the second surface treatment 136 is located on the first side 128, and the first surface treatment 134 is located on the second side 130. In this embodiment, the appearance depicts or simulates a “carved out” look backed by the metal field when using a metallic-looking ink.

Both options provide a unique appearance that is visible in bright ambient conditions, and which is also backlightable in a low light level environment. Printing on the first and second surfaces provides an illusion of depth, which has the unique appearance of a formed “floating” number or, in an alternative, the inverse approach appears as a “carved out” look.

The thickness of the film used for the decorative layer 124, in various embodiments, is adjusted to match the type of images used to provide graphics for a desired look. For instance, if the images are numerals, a particular type of font can be used as one factor in determining the thickness of the film. Since a non-metallic ink or toner may be used in various embodiments for the graphical representation, switch technologies are well served since the use of a true metallic ink can hamper the design of an electrically-based device. Additionally, the ink or toner opacity is adjusted to allow a predetermined amount of light to pass through the decorative layer. By adjusting the thickness of the first layer 124 and the opacity of the surface treatments, light passing from the second side 130 to the first side 128 is appropriately restricted to achieve a desired appearance or look.

In another embodiment, the first layer 124 includes texturing on the surface of the second side 130 to enhance the appearance and contrast between graphics located on the first side 128 and the background provided by the second side 130. In one embodiment, an extruded film including a surface combination of one side having a velvet texture and the other side having a fine matte texture is contemplated. Additionally, the film in various embodiments may include an ultraviolet light inhibitor. One such film is available from Covestro (formerly known as Bayer Material Science) and identified as Bayfol UV 1 7-2. This film contains UV inhibitors that resist yellowing that may result from sunlight in an outdoor environment. The use of a textured surface on the second side 130 provides an appealing graphics display which is enhanced by the texturing. In this embodiment, the numerals on the first side 128 are enhanced, not only through the depth of separation provided by printing both sides of the film, but also through the inherent contrast between the texture and the gloss which further provides graphics or indicia that stand out in appearance or look.

An illumination layer 140 is located next to the light guide 126 which provides light for illuminating graphics of the keypad 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the illumination layer 140 may be configured as an electrical circuit board having one or more illuminating devices such as, for example, incandescent lights or light emitting diodes (LEDs). The electrical circuit board of layer 140, in various embodiments, may be a rigid circuit board, a flexible circuit board, or a combination of the two. The circuit board 140 includes a connector 142 which is configured to couple with a main control circuit board 144, the details of which would be understood by one skilled in the art. The main control circuit board 144 includes discrete and/or integrated circuitry for determining the content of information received as a result of keypad information. In other embodiments, the light guide 126 need not be included, and the source of illumination is selected accordingly.

Depending on the type of circuit board 144 used for the switching technology that responds to keypad inputs, the light source 140 may include individual LEDs that do not require a light guide. In different embodiments, the circuit board 144 includes one of a capacitive touch keypad, a pressure sensitive keypad, and a resistive touch style keypad. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the type of keypad, and the type of keypad selected in different embodiments dictates, at least in part, the thickness of the protective layer and the decorative layer. For instance, the thickness of the layers for a capacitive touch keypad may be slightly thicker than the layers for a resistive touch style keypad. Additionally, depending on the type of illumination, the material applied to the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be diluted to provide a desired translucency for transmitting an appropriate amount of light seen by a user.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, to achieve a desired “architectural look” (i.e., graphics having depth), the material located on the second surface to provide the background includes totally clear light apertures hidden from view by the first surface numerals, such that the transmitted light is directed through the apertures and onto the back of the numerals to provide a “halo effect”. The halo effect, which appears around the perimeter of a graphical numeral, for example, provides an effect not dissimilar to that of a ring of sunlight seen during a solar eclipse. In another embodiment, additional translucent ink different from the ink applied to form the background is applied around the clear aperture to provide a slightly enhanced illuminated area that matches the numeral in a slightly larger perimeter. In this embodiment, low light level visibility is enhanced under certain external lighting conditions. As used herein, the term “translucent” is defined as permitting light transfer, wherein the light is diffused such that an object located behind the translucent material is not clearly visible.

One such embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 shows a protective layer 150, a first surface treatment 152, a decorative layer 154, a second surface treatment 156, a light guide 158, and a light source 160. In this illustrative embodiment, the first surface treatment 152 includes an ink or a toner deposited on the front side of the decorative layer 154, and the second surface treatment 156 includes a clear aperture 162 having a profile similar to a profile of the graphical symbol of the first surface treatment 152. The graphical symbol, the number “7” in this exemplary embodiment, of the second surface treatment 156 includes a border 163 which includes a first perimeter 164 and a second perimeter 166. The first perimeter 164, which also defines the clear area of the numeral “7”, is smaller than an outer perimeter 168 of the numeral “7” of the first surface treatment 152. The second perimeter 166 is larger than the outer perimeter 168 such that the border 163 is partially located outside the border 168 and partially located inside the border 168. A background 170 is located adjacent to the border 163. In one or more embodiments, the border provides the appearance of look of a shadow. As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the completed decorative layer 154, as seen by a user, includes the numeral “7” having the first surface treatment 152 outlined by a portion of the border 163, and with the background 170 surrounding the numeral “7”.

FIG. 5 illustrates a light path schematic 172 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A light source 174 is disposed adjacent to a light guide 176 which provides a clear path for the light emitted from the light source 174 to be transmitted to a second surface treatment 178. In this second surface treatment 178 formed with ink or toner, the transmitted light is directed toward areas 180, 182 and 184. Area 180 is devoid of ink, and consequently the transmitted light moves through the area 180 without any limiting condition provided by an ink or toner deposit. An area 182 is formed with a deposit configured to restrict or inhibit the transmission of light such that some of the light moves through the deposit and some of the light is not transmitted. In one embodiment, an ink of 25% silver metallic is used. The deposit provides what is identified or referred to as a “dead front”. An area 184 is formed with a deposit configured to restrict the transmission of light greater than the amount of light restricted by area 182. This area 184 provides a background, such as the background 170 illustrated in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, no light is transmitted through the second surface ink of area 184.

Each of the areas 180, 182 and 184 is placed on a backside 186 of a substrate forming a decorative layer 188. An area 190 of graphic material is placed on a frontside 192 of the substrate forming the decorative layer 188. The area 190, in one embodiment, corresponds to the first surface treatment 152. The light transmitted by the light source 174 travels relatively unimpeded or uninhibited through the area 180, passing through the decorative layer 188, and which is then blocked by the area 190. In one embodiment, all of the light is blocked by the area 190. In other embodiments, not all of the light is blocked, but a sufficient amount of light is blocked such that a contrast is provided between the area 190 and the area 182. A projective layer 194 covers the frontside 192, including the ink 190, as previously described.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a decorative layer 200. In this embodiment, a first surface treatment 202 is located on a frontside 204 of a substrate 205, shown herein as including a thickness 206 to distinguish this thickness from the relatively thin first surface treatment 202 and a relatively thin second surface treatment 208. In one embodiment, the second surface treatment 202 includes a 25% silver metallic ink which is used to form the numeral “7”. The second surface treatment 208 includes a center portion 210 in the shape of the numeral “7” having an outer perimeter 212 which is slightly smaller than an outer perimeter 214 of the first treatment of the numeral “7”. In this embodiment, the center portion 210 is a 25% silver metallic ink. A border 216 is located next to the outer perimeter 212 and has an inner perimeter 218 located adjacent to the outer perimeter 212. The border 216 includes an outer perimeter 220 which is larger than the outer perimeter 214 of the first surface treatment 202. In this embodiment, the completed decorative layer 200 includes a “dead front” perimeter (i.e., translucent perimeter) to highlight the numeral “7” of the first surface treatment 202. The second surface treatment 208 includes an opaque background in the area outside the numeral “7” including the border 216 that substantially prevents light transmitted by a light source from being seen at the frontside 204.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a decorative layer 230. In this embodiment, a first surface treatment 232 is located on a frontside 234 of a substrate 236, shown herein as including a thickness 238 to illustrate the difference in thickness between the relatively thin first surface treatment 232 and the substrate 236. A second surface treatment 240 is located on a backside of the substrate 236. In this embodiment, the substrate 236 is provided as a clear substrate. The first surface treatment 232 includes an open aperture 242 defined by the absence of a material, and an opaque background 244 which extends from the edges of the substrate 236 to the perimeter of the numeral “7”. The second surface treatment 240 covers the entire area of a backside 246 of the substrate 234 and includes a 25% silver metallic-looking ink to form the entire background. It should be understood that the use of a metallic-looking ink, as opposed to a true metallic ink, does not compromise switch performance.

The present disclosure overcomes many of the disadvantages or issues stemming from the use of current keypads such as, for example, metallic look keypads. Metallic look keypads can “wash out” in very bright sunlight, which in turn makes it difficult for a user to identify the numerals when entering a code on the keypad. The present disclosure implements a visible yet subtle graphical display, which in turn provides an architectural appearance that complements the appearance of a structure such as, for example, a house, instead of being in contrast with the appearance of the house which uses a “smart phone” look keypad combined with an architecturally consistent lock. One problem with the “smart phone” look is that such appearance does not provide a style that fits most residences for a typically architectural related product such as a lock on the front door of the house. However, the present disclosure provides an embossed metal look without the cost of embossed metal, and still provides backlighting capability for viewing in low light conditions.

This present disclosure also provides the metallic look without using a metal, which is not only cost favorable, but which also accommodates capacitive touch switching technology. This feature is important in that true metal, in addition to increased cost, is not easily backlit and does not lend itself to include many different types of switch technologies which respond to touching or the depression of a keypad.

The present disclosure also provides a true architectural style for an electronic lock that is easily manufacturable, works well with capacitive and other switch technologies at a minimal cost, and provides a crisp and fine metallic look with depth of the graphics. The first and second surfaces of a clear material layer having a first surface treatment and second surface treatment provides a keypad that is visible in daytime as well as nighttime. The architectural look for the code entry graphics includes a backlit graphic capability for nighttime visibility as well.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected.

It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A keypad configured for use with a door lock, comprising: a decorative layer having a first surface including a first surface treatment and a second surface facing opposite the first surface and including a second surface treatment; wherein first surface treatment defines first alphanumeric character having a first perimeter, and wherein the second surface treatment defines a second alphanumeric character having a second perimeter smaller than and surrounded by the first perimeter and a third alphanumeric character having a third perimeter larger than and surrounding the second perimeter; wherein a first region is defined within the second perimeter, the first region having a first opacity; wherein a second region defined between the second perimeter and the third perimeter, the second region having a second opacity different from the first opacity, and wherein the decorative layer includes a thickness defining a distance between the first surface and the second surface, the distance being selected to define a dimension of a shadow.
 2. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the decorative layer comprises one of an extruded film, a glass material, and a molded plastic.
 3. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the first alphanumeric character is opaque within the first perimeter.
 4. The keypad of claim 3, wherein the first surface treatment is translucent around the first perimeter of the first alphanumeric character.
 5. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the first perimeter is smaller than and surrounded by the third perimeter.
 6. The keypad of claim 1, wherein a third region is defined outside the third perimeter, the third region having a third opacity different from the first opacity and the second opacity.
 7. The keypad of claim 6, wherein one of the first region or the third region is opaque, wherein the other of the first region or the third region is transparent, and wherein the second region is translucent.
 8. The keypad of claim 6, wherein the first region is transparent, wherein the second region is translucent, wherein the third region is opaque, and wherein the first alphanumeric character is opaque within the first perimeter.
 9. A keypad configured for use with a door lock, comprising: a decorative layer; and a light source configured to provide an illumination of the keypad; wherein the decorative layer has a first surface comprising a first material and a second surface comprising a second material, the first and second surfaces facing opposite one another; wherein the first material and the second material are aligned to provide indicia having a three-dimensional appearance with the indicia being offset from a background plane; wherein the first material has a first perimeter that defines a first indicia and is opaque within the first perimeter; wherein the second material defines a translucent border region comprising a second perimeter and a third perimeter; wherein the second perimeter is larger than and surrounds the first perimeter and the third perimeter; and wherein the second surface is opaque outside the second perimeter.
 10. The keypad of claim 9, wherein the decorative layer comprises one of an extruded film, a glass material, and a molded plastic.
 11. The keypad of claim 9, wherein the second surface is opaque within the third perimeter.
 12. The keypad of claim 9, further comprising a protective layer disposed adjacent the decorative layer; and wherein the decorative layer is positioned between the protective layer and the light source.
 13. The keypad of claim 9, wherein the decorative layer includes a thickness defining a distance between the first surface and the second surface, the distance being selected to determine a dimension of a shadow.
 14. The keypad of claim 9, wherein a first opacity of the border region between the second perimeter and the third perimeter is greater than a second opacity within the third perimeter.
 15. A keypad configured for use with a door lock, comprising: a decorative layer; and a light source configured to provide an illumination of the keypad; wherein the decorative layer includes a first surface having a first surface treatment, and a second surface having a second surface treatment, and wherein the second surface faces opposite the first surface; wherein the first surface treatment defines a plurality of first alphanumeric characters each having a first perimeter; wherein the second surface treatment defines a plurality of second alphanumeric characters each having a second perimeter that is aligned with and larger than the first perimeter of a corresponding one of the first alphanumeric characters; wherein the second surface treatment further defines a plurality of third alphanumeric characters each having a third perimeter that is aligned with and smaller than the first perimeter of a corresponding one of the first alphanumeric characters; and wherein the second surface comprises: translucent first regions defined between the second perimeters and the third perimeters; an opaque second region defined outside the second perimeters; and transparent third regions defined within the third perimeters.
 16. The keypad of claim 15, wherein the first alphanumeric characters are each opaque within its first perimeter; and wherein the plurality of second alphanumeric characters are each translucent within its second perimeter.
 17. The keypad of claim 16, wherein the plurality of second alphanumeric characters are each translucent within its second perimeter due to not depositing the surface treatment on the corresponding surface within the second perimeter.
 18. The keypad of claim 15, wherein the decorative layer comprises one of an extruded film, a glass material, and a molded plastic.
 19. The keypad of claim 15, further comprising a light guide configured to direct light from the light source to the decorative layer; and wherein the light guide is configured to scatter light provided by the light source to each of the plurality of alphanumeric characters.
 20. The keypad of claim 15, wherein the decorative layer includes a thickness providing a distance between the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment, the distance being selected to define a dimension of a shadow.
 21. The keypad of claim 15, wherein the third perimeter of each third alphanumeric character is smaller than and surrounded by the second perimeter of a corresponding one of the second alphanumeric characters. 